Marijuana Company Names Ex-New Mexico Governor Its CEO

Former New Mexico Gov. and Libertarian Party presidential nominee Gary Johnson has been named the president and chief executive of a startup marijuana company.

Nevada-based Cannabis Sativa Inc. made the announcement on Tuesday along with plans to sell medical and recreational marijuana goods, according to The Associated Press.

Johnson, a longtime advocate for drug reform, said he hopes to grow the company into a major marijuana business and plans to aide in the development of products that can be sold in states where recreational use of marijuana is legal.

“I generally believe this is changing the planet for the better,” Johnson told AP. “It also is a bet on the future. … We think we have the creme de la creme of marijuana products.”

The former Republican governor told AP he will make $1 a year, while also earning company equity. He acknowledged the company is a bit of a “bet on the future” as company officials are still navigating its boundaries under federal law. However, Johnson was optimistic.

“I think in 10 years, for the most part, the U.S. will legalize marijuana,” Johnson said.